St George Real Estate Market Conditions Reports and Opinions

Housing market reports, news, statistics, and opinions are brought to you by Paula Smith Associate Broker RealtyPath St George. You will find all market condition reports  for Southern Utah and the St George real estate forecast.  If you would like to have Paula Smith cover particular topics, related to the Southern Utah real estate market, please use the contact information at the top or bottom of this page.  Please note, all topics are written by Paula Smith and everything is the intellectual property and opinion of Paula Smith. 

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Dec. 7, 2016

St George Utah Real Estate Market Report December 2016

December 2016 St George real estate market report, brought to you by Paula Smith of Red Rock Real Estate  

This report will take a look at current sale statistics as well as comparing last year with this year.  This report will include residential homes in the Greater St George area (which includes: Santa Clara, Ivins, and Washington).  

For November 2016, there were 252 SOLD HOMES.  This number is slightly lower than previous months, however as we approach the holidays it is not uncommon for the number of sales to slightly reduce (notice similar results for November 2014 as well as 2015).  It’s also interesting to note that the inventory remains low, having under 1,000 active homes listed, since August 2016.  It’s likely that sales will slightly increase for December, as buyers are looking for investment opportunities as the year ends.  

St George Sold home report 2016 

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Posted in Buyers, Sellers, Statistics
Sept. 14, 2016

1612 W 3640 S, St George, UT 84790

New Listing in the coveted subdivision of Bloomington, in St George Utah.  

Bloomington is a very established neighborhood, which surrounds the newly renovated Bloomington Country Club and golf course.  There are 2 parks nearby, along with popular walking and biking trails.  The community is close to shopping, schools, and it is also within Dixie Power, which will provide the lowest utility rates in the area.  Bloomington Country Club is accepting new members, so this is a great opportunity to get in at a reasonable price and enjoy the amenities offered just down the street from this fabulous home.  If you have off road toys, this is a great community; just down the street from this home is a popular trail that takes you out into the hills.  Take the off road vehicles out for some fun, or drive out to the area where locals enjoy target practice, there really is something for everyone in this area. 

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Sept. 9, 2016

St George Real Estate Market Report September 2016

We’re already heading into the fall season here in St George Utah, and the St George real estate market report is ready for reporting.  Year to date, for the greater St George area, we are clearly in a seller’s market.  Home sales are up 9.7% (compared to last year), the number of Active listings are down 3.8% (year to date), and the average sale price is up 7.4% (year to date).  Check out this graph showing the past 3 years:

St George Market Report Stats (VIEW IMAGE)

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June 10, 2016

June 2016 St George Real Estate Market Report

Summer is heating up as is the St George Utah Real Estate market.  After a brief but welcomed spring, our temps jumped right into summer, and almost simultaneously home sales started to sizzle.  This is our June 2016 market report.  Next month, I’ll take a look at midyear sales and provide a more in depth market analysis.  

Our St George real estate inventory is still low, it’s been low for over a year.  Demand is every bit as high, so this has created a shift into a sellers market.  While prices haven’t skyrocketed, they have been gradually increasing over the past few years, and this year prices are still trending higher.  From 2014 to 2015 the median sale price climbed 4.7%.  2015 compared to 2016 (YTD) we are already at 3.9% higher with April and May having the highest gains, 19.5% and 6.9% respectively.   I expect the increases by year end to be most represented by May sales, meaning the likely increase by year end will probably be around 6%.  Another interesting note, when comparing 2015 to 2016 YTD the number of NEW LISTINGS is down 4.2% while the number of SOLD listings is UP 2.9%

Here is a 2 year comparison for Greater St George; it’s a great snapshot of our declining inventory and increasing prices. 

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June 10, 2016

4835 S Festival Park Circle SunRiver

Home For Sale in SunRiver St George

4835 S. Festival Park Circle
St George, UT 84790

NEW LISTING!!

Price: $268,000
MLS 16-176736

Bedrooms: 2
PLUS TECH CENTER
Bathrooms: 2
Garage: 2.5 Car
Square Footage: 1,262

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Posted in Buyers, SunRiver
April 12, 2016

St George Utah Home Buying Process…explained

What is the home buying process for St George Utah?  The State of Utah, like all states in the US, has a process for home buying and paperwork to accompany every step.  Most buyers feel that Utah has a very simplified home buying process, and our State laws favor the buyer thereby making the process less stressful.  It’s nice to have contracts written in such a way that they are simple and easy to comprehend.

 

St George Homes For Sale Online

 

Most buyers begin their home search online, from the state they currently reside.  Using a local website (such as this site) will allow you to view ALL MLS listed property for sale.  My site will provide every home listed, from every agent within our Board.  Often, buyers will inform me that other websites show “more” homes.  The reason for this is usually because those sites are not updated daily (or hourly, like this site).  So when you’re seeing homes on other sites that may not be included on this site, are homes that are no longer available (cancelled or pending listings).  Once a home is pending, it will be removed from this site (as soon as the listing agent updates our MLS).  

 

Paula Smith~Your St George Buyers Agent

 

Aligning yourself with a local agent is your next step.  It’s important to select an agent and establish a relationship with that agent.  Once you have begun to contact a preferred agent and you’re beginning to make plans to arrive, your agent has already started working for you.  When I speak to a buyer and identify the type of property they are searching for, I set up a preliminary search and populate a list of potential homes.  Together we review the list and add or eliminate to formulate the list of homes the buyer would like to see once they arrive (it’s recommended to do this only a couple of days prior to arrival since our inventory changes so frequently).  It’s okay to call other agents for questions, but it’s important to let them know you’re already working with another agent (more on that in a minute).

 

Next, your home search really begins.  Viewing homes in person is totally different that looking at them online.  Sometimes they are so much better in person, other times buyers are totally disappointed when viewing in person, their “favorite” home.  It’s important to see homes in different areas so you can really get a feel for the area that suits your needs best.  This process can take hours, days, or months (and I’ve had a couple of clients where it took years!).  Once you find a home you’ve got real interest in, that’s where I begin to research.  I’ll begin to research the home, to try and find any details you’ll want to know about the home.  I run comparable sales and evaluate the price.  I do title research to determine the sellers situation and how that compares to the price on the home.  My buyers are always informed as to what has sold in the area and at what price.  Together we determine a price to make an offer.  

 

How Much Under Asking Price Can We Offer?

This is always a popular question, and the answer is always “Offers are a case by case basis”.  There is no “magic number” of how much lower you can offer.  In fact, if a home is newly listed and priced really well…while you’re in the office trying to justify a lower offer, 3 other buyers are already involved in a bidding war and the home will sell at or above asking price.  Other times, a rare home comes on the market and it’s probably considered “over priced” but if it has that rare feature…buyer WILL PAY.  This isn't to say you cant offer less on any home…of course you can!  I make offers for buyers on the regular basis under asking price, and often I’m able to gain acceptance.

 

Can I Make An Offer Contingent On My Other Home Selling

Short answer….YES.  The best situation is when your home is already listed.  If you’ve already got an offer…even better.  You CAN make an offer contingent on your home selling and it will be very little risk to you (if your home does not sell you wont lose your earnest money in MOST circumstances).  

 

Making the Offer

There are several documents to sign for your first offer, typically I have a few of these signed up front to avoid confusion.  First and foremost you MUST sign a Buyer Broker Agreement.  This allows the agent to work for the buyer, and this is an exclusive commitment (you can not sign this document and then turn around and work with another agent).  The written agreement clarifies buyer and agent relationship and the buyer is confirming they understand the agent will be paid within the transaction (HOWEVER…IT IS NOT THE BUYER WHO WILL PAY THE AGENT…THE SELLER WILL PAY THE AGENT AND THIS WILL NOT ADD ANYTHING TO THE COST OF THE HOME).  When a sellers lists their home, they are already agreeing to an amount to compensate a buyers agent.  So the buyer will be represented and offered information and consultation throughout the entire transaction, with no cost (within a typical transaction).  

 

The Utah Real Estate Purchase Contract

The details of the contract are very straight forward.  A buyer will not need an attorney present at closing.  The buyer will have a due diligence period which will give them about 2 weeks to really get to know the home, the neighborhood, and do any home inspections they deem necessary (at the buyers expense).  During this Due Diligence period, a buyer can cancel the contract for any reason.  This way if you find a home you love and it’s a popular listing—you can instantly make an offer—once accepted you can get all of the questions answered and if you’re not happy—you can cancel the transaction.  So many times I’ve had buyers tell me “we will go home and think about it”.  They call me a week later and they are ready to make an offer.  Sorry…that home is pending.  You’ll also have a couple of weeks to get your loan in order and an appraisal done (if applicable).  If you realize you are unable to secure financing during the specified period, you can cancel the contract and your earnest money is returned.  Earnest money is typically about 1% of the purchase price, but depending on the situation it may be appropriate to offer more or less. 

 

If you realized AFTER your due diligence or financing period (both are typically 14-18 days) that you no longer want to purchase the home (or you are unable to) then you may be at risk for losing your earnest money.  The earnest is in place to compensate the seller for taking the home off the market, and it’s designed to essentially be a tool to avoid going to court.  

 

Closing

The most misunderstood time of the transaction is always “closing”.  Closing is the event where the documents are signed and the money is delivered.  You can close here in St Georgeat the title company, or title can set up a courtesy closing in your area, where the documents are sent over to you to be signed and notarized. When you “close” here in town, you are not at a table with the sellers—only the title agent and typically the real estate agent, and sometimes your loan officer will attend.  The element that always becomes a source of confusion is that you DO NOT get your keys at closing.  Perhaps you’ve already wired your down payment to title, you’ve now signed your documents and your moving truck just pulled up in front of your new home.  Well…there is a problem because you’re not moving in and it may be another few days.  While I’ve never personally had this happen to my buyers (because I thoroughly explain the process) it still becomes a point of confusion with many deals.  A few things have to happen before you get your keys.  You first sign your documents (if you’re doing it out of town, they need to be RECEIVED by the title company).  Your funds need to be wired to title (and RECEIVED).  If you wire at 3pm on Friday…it wont be received until the next BUSINESS day (if Monday is a holiday, we’re looking at Tuesday).  The seller must sign their documents.  If you have a loan, the lender must fund the loan.  Typically they fund the same day, but not always.  Then once all of these events have transpired, title will send the documents to record.  Now we must wait for the recorders office…again…if you send this out at 4:55pm on Friday and Monday is a holiday….we wont record until Tuesday.  Once the document records…you are an official homeowner and your keys will be delivered.  

 

What Fees Will I Pay?

There are very few fees the buyer is obligated to pay.  If it's a cash deal, you'll have title/recording fees which are usually less than $300.  The other costs are pro-rated property tax and HOA fees (if applicable).  The seller will pay for a seller policy title insurance (this will protect your title from any liens if claims are made against former).   If there is a loan involved, your lender will have all of the fees broken down for you prior to making an offer (or soon after) and you'll have the fees already mentioned along with lender fees, appraisals etc....  If you're hiring a Home Inspector, you'll pay him after the inspection so these fees will not be apart of closing. 

  

As a buyers agent, I’m working behind the scenes to make sure my buyers are staying on top of their deadlines, hiring professional and competent home inspectors, and completing all of their due diligence.  I’m working directly with the title company and their lender to ensure a smooth transaction, while keeping the buyer informed every step of the way.  If you’re ready to purchase a home and you are not already working with a buyers agent, give Paula Smith a call—I’d appreciate the opportunity to assist you.  If you have additional questions 

Feb. 21, 2016

4722 S SONATA Circle St George Reflections SunRiver

Reflections SunRiver St George

Gated 55+ Adult Community in St George Utah

 BUILT:  2006

 PRICE:  $580,000

 2Bed/Large Office or Den/ 2.5  Bath/3163sqft

Gated communities are a popular request for many buyers, and St George is no exception.  It’s true, however, that there simply are not that many gated communities within St George.

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Jan. 11, 2016

2015 St George Year End Real Estate Market Report

 

The following will give a great breakdown of the years activity, showing a total of 3,052 homes sold (compared to 2,646 in 2014).    

St George Real Estate 2 year Market Comparison

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Nov. 5, 2015

156 S JAYCEE Drive, St George, UT Snowfield Estates

Snowfield Estates Home For Sale

4 Bedroom SINGLE LEVEL, 3 Car Garage, AND RV Parking

BUILT: 2012

PRICE: $349,000

4bedroom/2bath/2388sqft

If you're searching for a St George Utah home for sale, this is better than new construction and the opportunity to get more for your money!  Snowfield Estates is a beautiful community with newer homes which is tucked away on a very quiet street with the luxury of being located near everything.  You’ll be able to catch the bike and walking trails as well as golf courses, shopping, and parks just down the street.  This beautiful home is sure to please, with sought after features that are typically only available in a custom home. SINGLE LEVEL living AND RV parking on this larger lot along with a larger (deeper) 3 car garage having epoxy floors and an additional storage room.  You’ll appreciate the pool size larger lot and the private patio where you can enjoy your piece of St George paradise.  

Now let’s go inside and continue to check all of the MUST HAVES on your list!  You’ll walk in and instantly love the travertine floors with wood inlay greeting you at the entry.  The neutral tones and finishes throughout will make decorating easy, no matter your style.  The spacious kitchen with ample counter space and well appointed finishes such as the chiseled edge granite counters and an island with counter seating, which is open to the greatroom and looks out to the backyard.  The dining area is just off the kitchen will provide plenty of room for entertaining several guests.   The living room is generous in size, you won’t have any trouble arranging your furniture, and you’ll love to cozy up on winter nights and enjoy the fireplace thoughtfully placed to maximize furniture placement.  There are travertine floors throughout the traffic areas.  The bedrooms are larger than many current homes being built and offer a split floor plan, having 2 bedrooms on one side and the master on the other side.  There is a 4th bedroom (or office/den) as well.  Traveling down the hallway, you’ll appreciate the separate dedicated laundry room.  No more going through the laundry room when you’re coming from the garage.  There are cabinets and a large counter which completes the space.  The master bedroom is amazingly spacious.  No matter the size of bed you have—this room will accommodate.  There is a door that leads to the patio from the master.  The bathroom features a separate tub and shower as well as a private water closet.  The large walk-in closet is sure to please.  The rooms have ceiling fans, 3” blinds on the windows, water softener, plumbed for central vacuum, fully fenced (with an RV gate), and it’s totally landscaped with trees that are already maturing (these features will save you so much money over new construction).

The RV parking will accommodate larger rigs and there is a cleanout on that side as well.  There is room for a pool on either side or directly in back.  

The HOA is in place which will ensure that the community remains with its current high integrity, and the cost is only $75/year.  

Taxes $3673 based on a non-primary residence, a primary resident will have a 45% exemption. 

CONTACT PAULA SMITH TODAY TO VIEW THIS HOME 435-773-3751

 

Oct. 18, 2015

SunRiver St George Market Report October 2015

It’s been a while since I’ve done any statistics exclusive for Sunriver, so I’m taking a moment to get this task complete.  Things have been moving in Sunriver…well people seem to be buying anyway!  We have an absolute shortage of sellers!  For the first time since I’ve been monitoring the Sunriver market (well over 8 years) inventory is at an extreme low.   Typically, there is an average of about 80 homes for sale (with maybe 20 of those being new construction) and as of today there are only 49 homes for sale and of those only 34 of those being resale homes.  

Whats Selling in Sunriver?

Currently, there are 33 homes Pending in Sunriver and of those,  17 are resale.  This number would likely be higher if there were more resales in inventory to choose from.  Since September 1, 2015 there have been 24 SOLD homes in Sunriver and of those 24, 14 were resales.   Check out this illustration which shows the past two years of SunRiver St George real estate statistics. 

SunRiver St George Sold Homes Report

New construction is moving in Sunriver.  Last week I had two buyers purchase new construction homes.  The largest factor for new construction to be doing so well, is the fact that the inventory is so low.  Buyers are not able to find the home they want, so they are required to build in order to get it.  Of course new construction always costs more, but if the buyer has a more specific list—it’s really the only way to find what you want.  Also, there is a decent selection of hard to find view lots recently released in Sunriver.  This seems to be encouraging buyers (new buyers and current residents looking to trade up) to purchase a new construction.

If you’ve got a home in Sunriver and you’re thinking of selling, please give Paula Smith of Red Rock Real Estate a call right away.  I can give you a free market analysis and give you an idea of what your home will likely sell for.  If you’re thinking of buying, let me know if you are not already on the Automated Alert and I’ll make sure to add you.  This will send you all Sunriver listings as soon as they hit the market.  Prices are trending up due to supply and demand, it's time to jump off the fence and get into the buying and selling pool. 

Paula Smith Red Rock Real Estate